🌬️ Wind Load Calculator
Estimate the wind pressure and total force acting on a surface, such as a wall, sign, or panel, based on wind speed and surface area.
What This Calculator Does
This calculator estimates the wind pressure and resulting force applied to a flat surface exposed to wind, a common early-stage check for signs, fences, panels, and other exposed structures.
The Formula
Base velocity pressure is estimated as P = 0.00256 × V² (pounds per square foot, with wind speed V in mph), a standard simplification of the ASCE 7 velocity pressure equation. This is then multiplied by a shape/drag coefficient (about 1.2 for flat plates, lower for curved or streamlined shapes) to get design pressure, and by the exposed area to get total force.
Note: Real structural wind load design also accounts for exposure category, height, gust factors, and local building codes. Use this calculator for general planning and educational estimates only, and consult a structural engineer for actual construction projects.